In order for residential swimming pools to be safe, the state of North Carolina and Wake County have regulations you must follow. Knowing what these rules are before installing a project will be important in order for you to be sure you are in compliance with codes.
For example, permits and inspections are required for any project that holds more than 24 inches of water such as:
- In-Ground Pools
- Above-Ground Pools
- On-Ground Pools
- Spas
- Hot Tubs
At Prestige Pools of NC, your local Raleigh pool builder, we want your installation to go smoothly and with no hiccups. (We will even handle the permitting for you when you hire us to install your pool!) In helping you understand the regulations and the process in Wake County, this article provides you with the specifics so that you can meet them knowingly and avoid any problems.
Wake County Regulations for In-Ground Swimming Pools
The regulations for Wake County are found in “Install a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub” on the Wake County North Carolina website. All swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas that hold more than 24 inches of water need both a building and an electrical permit.
To permit a new swimming pool, you need to submit:
- An application using the Wake County Permit Portal
- A site plan that meets all the specifications listed in the section below “Site Plan Requirements”
- A certificate of workers’ compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of workers’ compensation exemption form for contractors
Besides the site plan essentials, Wake County has regulations that specify measurements for barriers and electrical code requirements you must comply with.
Barrier Requirements to Secure You Pool
The barrier is the fence containment that is built around your pool. The top of the barrier must be at least 48” above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. All outdoor swimming pools including in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground pools, hot tubs, and spas, must have a barrier that complies with the regulations.
Electrical Code
Abiding by the electrical codes is required when you are installing a pool, spa, or hot tub. An electrical permit is issued to ensure that all metal parts within five feet of the pool are properly grounded and safe.
Site Plan Specifications
Before any permits are issued, you must submit a site plan. You can use a survey that has been issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. A site plan includes the entire lot and it should be drawn to scale. For a minimum, detailed list of the items required in the site plan, see the Wake County website.
Here are some of the required items your plan needs to include:
- Lot lines with dimensions and road frontage
- All existing and/or proposed buildings and outdoor structures with dimensions
- Existing and proposed driveways, parking spaces, pool decking, and walkways with dimensions and surface materials used
- Existing or proposed well, septic tank and drain field location, or sewer and water easements with connection locations
- Site plan needs to be sealed by a licensed professional when using an Engineered Option Wastewater (septic) Permit that verifies the location of the wastewater system components
- All water features such as ditches, easements, buffers, and flood hazard areas
- All existing and proposed impervious surfaces must be clearly itemized and listed in square feet and as a percentage of the net lot size
- “As-built” surveys must be labeled and completed by a professional land surveyor and include all of the requirements for Wake County, with the date prepared.
The In-Ground Swimming Pool Application Process
Applying for a permit to construct the in-ground pool is accomplished on the Wake County Permit Portal. The application won’t be reviewed until it is considered to be complete. Be sure you have completed these prerequisites before submitting your application.
Contact Us for Professional In-Ground Pool Installation
Before you get into the planning and construction of your new in-ground vinyl-liner pool, contact our experienced team at Prestige Pools of NC. We handle the local permitting for you so you won’t have to worry about that. We have the knowledge to work through the permitting and planning smoothly, and then on to the building phase of the process. We will partner with you to make sure your vision of a beautiful backyard pool comes to life. Call us today at 919-779-1033 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate for a vinyl liner swimming pool installation in Clayton, Raleigh, Coats, Garner, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Middlesex, Wendell, Zebulon, or the surrounding areas.